Talks only credible way for peace in Afghanistan: Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif has said that talks between Afghan government and Taliban negotiators were the "only credible way" to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn neighbouring country.

His remarks came in the wake of dithering peace process in Afghanistan launched last month when Taliban and Afghan negotiators met in Pakistan's hill resort of Murree near Islamabad.

Death of Mullah Omar and reported differences over the elevation of his deputy Mullah Mansoor as chief of the rebels, forced the second round at the same venue on July 31 to be cancelled.

Due to the uncertainty caused by the infighting in Taliban, the quick start of peace talks is not possible, unsettling Pakistan which played key role in bringing the two sides to the negotiating table.

Addressing the Corps Commander's conference yesterday, Gen Raheel highlighted the importance of peace in Afghanistan.

Referring to the peace talks between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban, General Raheel said "it is the only credible way to achieve lasting peace", according to a statement from the army.

"Detractors and spoilers are against peace and prosperity of Afghanistan and the region," he said.Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif has said that talks between Afghan government and Taliban negotiators were the "only credible way" to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn neighbouring country.

His remarks came in the wake of dithering peace process in Afghanistan launched last month when Taliban and Afghan negotiators met in Pakistan's hill resort of Murree near Islamabad.

Death of Mullah Omar and reported differences over the elevation of his deputy Mullah Mansoor as chief of the rebels, forced the second round at the same venue on July 31 to be cancelled.

Due to the uncertainty caused by the infighting in Taliban, the quick start of peace talks is not possible, unsettling Pakistan which played key role in bringing the two sides to the negotiating table.

Addressing the Corps Commander's conference yesterday, Gen Raheel highlighted the importance of peace in Afghanistan.

Referring to the peace talks between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban, General Raheel said "it is the only credible way to achieve lasting peace", according to a statement from the army.

"Detractors and spoilers are against peace and prosperity of Afghanistan and the region," he said.